Analytical Developments for the Characterization of Nanomaterials in Consumer Products, Environmental and Medicinal Samples

Nanomaterials (NM) open huge prospects for innovation in different fields such as medicine, electronics, cosmetics and materials. However, their uses raise questions about possible risks to the environment and humans. The development of suitable protocols for the physicochemical characterization (size distribution, shape and chemical composition) of such materials is a fundamental issue for coming years. To meet the needs of various industrials producing or using NM, UT2A has developed new analytical approaches. The first one is focused on the determination of the size distribution of nano-scale particles using Dynamic Light Scattering detector (DLS) and a splitting system (by size and weight) such as Asymmetrical Flow Field Flow Fractionation hyphenated with a Multi Angle Laser Light Scattering detector (A4F-MALLS). The second approach is based on a comprehensive physicochemical characterization made by the combination of A4F-MALLS with an UV detector and an Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer (ICP-MS). The Single Particle-ICPMS has also been used to characterize NM. This study is first focused on the characterization of NM in consumer products such as sunscreens, candies or juices. The results obtained by the different analytical approaches are also discussed. Then the same techniques were used for environmental (colloids and NPs in effluent processes) and pharmaceutical applications. This work has enabled to develop and validate an approach to global physicochemical characterization of nanomaterials in complex matrices.